Theatre classics on stage

Claire Bamford, Allison Alexander, Susan Casey, and Rain Jones of Catprint Theatre Group. 144036 Picture: VICTORIA STONE-MEADOWS

By VICTORIA STONE-MEADOWS

WARBURTON-based theatre group Catprint will be putting on the largest performance of their history next month.

The production has been in the works since February, and all their hard work will come together in two single act plays.

It has taken 10 working bees by the cast and crew to have all elements of the production ready to go for opening night Friday 9 October.

A mammoth 10-panel backdrop made by the crew and hand painted by director Claire Bamford is also included.

“There has been lots of skill sharing and a huge commitment from everyone,” Ms Bamford said.

“We have a great group and a lot of fun.”

Catprint is a theatre production group set up by Ms Bamford and first time director Rain Jones.

In its fourth year, Catprint came about to fulfil a need for an adult non-music based theatre group for dramatic plays in the Upper Yarra Valley.

“There was nothing like this in Upper Yarra,” Ms Bamford said.

While there are other adult dramatic theatre groups in the Yarra Ranges, the other groups in the Warburton area are mostly musical based.

“Rather than drive to be part of other groups, we set up our own group,” Ms Bamford said.

Catprint is presenting their ‘Theatre Classics’ production of Agatha Christie’s ‘The Patient’ and Eugene Ionesco’s ‘The Chairs.’

There will be a complimentary supper served between the plays and all ticket sales go towards Catprint’s next productions.

Ms Bamford said Catprint is always looking for more members across all roles including actors, directors, producers, and so on.

Theatre Classics opens at the Arts Centre in Warburton on Friday 9 October at 7.30pm with shows continuing through the weekend.

Advance tickets are available for $17.50 if purchased before Friday 9 October or can be purchased at the door $22.50.